IWC vs Rolex

[johng]

I just picked up an IWC Pilots Chronograph...it's the first IWC I've owned I have multiple Rolexes and Omegas among others. I'd be interested to know others thoughts on the IWC brand.

[PanosI]

371701 is my favourite IWC. If i ever buy an IWC this will be it.
I don't know if the pic is shaken or bad quality but sir it doesn't look good to me.
I have spent countless hours staring at this watch and the pic above doesn't look good. Please don't get me wrong if the watch is ok.

[Z-Dweller]

I made the switch from Rolex to other brands over the last year. There are a lot of great watches out there. Don't be blinded by Rolex.

IWC, JLC, and ALS are some other brands you can't go wrong with.

[p_mcgee]

Congratulations! I love that pilot chrono, especially on the oem kevlar Top Gun strap. I tried on the 3717 but it felt a bit too blocky for me, so I got the mark xvi instead.

IWC makes some great watches, but I'll leave to others the religious discussion on how it compares to Rolex.

[esm]

Always had a soft spot for IWC... Just haven't found a piece I'd willing to spend the £££ on ATM.... (if I had to, I'd most likely to go with a Portuguese 7 days)

[HL65]

Great brand with some great models. I think they make nice compliment to a collection. One of my favorite watches I've owned was the Perpetual Calendar 2 in RG. Only issue was if you moved date you had to send to IWC to reset. For me it isn't IWC vs. Rolex or another brand for that matter but IWC and Rolex. One can find great watches and likes in lots of brands as opposed to putting them against each other IMHO. Congrats on a great watch and wear it in good health.

[straighttea]

After owning most of the rolex sports model, i decided to try something different too, and i bought the iw5001 in WG, i am still mesmerized by the quality and detail of the watch

[McLovin]

Watch Snob's recent eval of IWC comes to mind, fwiw: http://www.askmen.com/fashion/mens-w...c-watches.html

Personally, at the same price-point I'm more drawn generally to JLC and Zenith El Primeros. Both IWC and Rolex certainly make some nice watches -- I wouldn't rank one company over the other.

[johng]

Pardon the image quality....quick snap with iPhone

[GradyPhilpott]

I like the IWC pilot watches and Spitfires, myself.

In fact, if I buy another watch it will probably be one of those.

[DucS2R]

I have two IWC's (a Mark XV and a 3706 chono) both great watches. I also own a Sub C which I love. I am wearing the Mark XV because it came back from service today and I have missed it. All great watches, though if I could only keep one it would be the sub. My most recent fascination, though is AP (have a 15300) and JLC, have a Master Geographic and am picking up a 1931 tribute next week. So many great watches, so little money...

To sum up, yeah, both great brands who do their own thing. I have a slight preference for Rolex because they make their own movements, though IWC has started doing that as well. I love their big pilot.

T
.

[kilyung]

Originally Posted by johng

I just picked up an IWC Pilots Chronograph...it's the first IWC I've owned I have multiple Rolexes and Omegas among others. I'd be interested to know others thoughts on the IWC brand.

Are the markers at 12, 3, 6, 9 painted or applied? The dial/hands do look off. Did you get this from an AD?

Having owned that watch and several other IWCs, I'm a big fan. I also like the American/Swiss history of the company.

[Manofsteelpt]

Like Bill, I too have moved from the Rolies as of late. I'm considering an IWC Big Pilot now.
Congrats on your new purchase!

[aboen]

I love my IWC. I seem to be gravitating towards IWC’s of the earlier part of the millennium.



Can't wait to get my AT GST back from service.

[beaglehusky]

IWC is one of my favorite brands and I see it as a peer to JLC, Rolex, and Omega. I love my Portofino's look and it has a special place in my collection. I have a soft spot for the Aquatimer and some of the Da Vinci pieces too.

[00Photo]

The case finishing on my Mark XVI is what sold me on the watch. It's absolutely mesmerizing.

[B. Doggy]

IWC has a good shot of being my next purchase. Really miss the BP.

[conrail]

Originally Posted by Z-Dweller

I made the switch from Rolex to other brands over the last year. There are a lot of great watches out there. Don't be blinded by Rolex.

IWC, JLC, and ALS are some other brands you can't go wrong with.

I feel ya. I think I'll keep my vintage radial-dialed 1675, but for modern watches there are so many other wonderful brands out there.

[TSW]

Have a soft spot for the older GST and Ingeneuer.

[dysondiver]

came close to owning a mk x11 gold on a gold bracelet , should have bought it , i spend a long time kicking myself on that one

[dddrees]

Once I saw the IWC Pilot Chronograph I knew it was the one for me.

[psv]

I really like some of their models, but others are really too big for my tastes. I wish I could run the design over there, e.g. remove the stupid Top Gun (just fine if you are a graduate of that school) for that otherwise awesome chronograph, bring back Ti divers etc.

[conrail]

Love IWC's dials - some of the classiest around. I agree with Pat though, their watches are just WAY too big. A lot of their beautiful dialed watches are 44mm unfortunately...

[wrxsti]

i love the rich history, timeless, clean and elegant designs.

Here are my 3 in my collection


i agree to disagree about their size of cases iwc make all different sizes from small to very large. The portuguese 42.3mm is perfect for a dress/sport watch in my opinion and i am sure many iwc owners can attest to that as well.

not my pic but shows the beauty of the port case and prefect dial vs case size

[conrail]

Love that 5001 - BEAUTIFUL picture whomever took it

[Demosthene]

Fantastic watches that I like a great deal.
Saying that if your tossing up between one and a Rolex, the Rolex is defiantly the preferred watch.

[43builder]

IWC's are great. ive owned about 3 of them. rolex has presence and also for me, the history of the brand is also nice. IWC also goes way back and makes some great watches!

[Mosco]

Not to be a party pooper, but something appears off on the OP's picture.... I have never seen such poor finishing on the dial from IWC. Just look at the lume on the hands - it is way off center. The 12-hour chrono hand is off-point, even though all the other ones are re-set. The stick 3-6-9 seem off as well... Did the watch come from a legitimate source?

[B. Doggy]

Originally Posted by Mosco

Not to be a party pooper, but something appears off on the OP's picture.... I have never seen such poor finishing on the dial from IWC. Just look at the lume on the hands - it is way off center. The 12-hour chrono hand is off-point, even though all the other ones are re-set. The stick 3-6-9 seem off as well... Did the watch come from a legitimate source?

After a closer look, I agree Greg.

[johng]

As stated earlier, the shot was a quick snap taken with a cell phone...off centered, taken from a slight angle, and most certainly shakey. The watch was purchased BNIB from an AD, quite reputable, with all documentation. Probably should have been taken with an SLR and tripod. When viewed under magnification the are no issues with the watch Chalk it up to poor photography and perspective. When I get the time I'll re-submit the image.